Billy Fails

William Travis Fails, more affectionately known as "Billy," passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on January 22, 2025, at the age of 23. Born on October 09, 2001, in Cedar City, Utah, to Travis and Tonya Fails, Billy, defied all notions of physics by managing to spread his infamous smile across the entire surface area of his face.
From the very beginning of his life, Billy's smile was ever-present. Some may recall that in the early days of his wrestling career, which began shortly after he could walk, his bright-eyed grin was on display winning or losing on the wrestling mat. While Billy did play football for a few years, his greatest love came when he ran a mile in cowboy boots. It sparked his greatest desire to run cross country. Once he started running there was no stopping him. Billy's infectious joy for life remained apparent, even in the face of challenges that might have led others to pessimism or despair. He had a rare gift for connecting with people, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Billy's talent for spreading joy was inherent. Whether at Cedar High School, where he graduated in 2020, running cross-country and track, sparring on the wrestling mat, or simply in the smallest of daily interactions, his love for life radiated outward. Above all, he cherished time with his family and friends. Yet, somehow, he excelled at everything he committed to, weather it was coaching for TRIO or from his dirt work with Cliff Stubbs, to his present position as a fiber optic internet installer and locator for SC Broadband. He also loved working out with his family, lifting weights in his free time, and finding every excuse to play with his nieces and nephews.
A peacekeeper by nature, Billy often found himself in involuntary playful situations with his brothers-either at the bottom of a dogpile or as the punchline of an "all-in-good-fun" joke. His kind heart also often shielded his sister from the same fate, unless, of course, she did something only sisters can do to temporarily forfeit his protection.
Billy had a soft spot for vulnerable things, with the exception of those that had antlers, gills, or feathers. His favorite places were in the crisp mountain air, hanging in his hammock, around a campfire with family and friends, on a remote mountainside hunting with his dad, brothers, sister and uncles, or anywhere he could laugh with those he loved most.
Those who loved Billy confess that 23 years with him felt far too short. But even if we'd had a lifetime, it would never have been enough. Despite the ache of earthly separation, we take comfort in knowing that our time apart is temporary. Billy has been joyfully reunited with a loving heavenly concourse, including his Grandpa Bill Fails, Grandma Janice Fails, Uncle Troy Fails, his cousin and hunting buddy, Taylor Fails, friend McCabe Garfield, and many great grandparents.
Those eagerly anticipating the day they can hold him again include his parents, Travis and Tonya Fails; his brothers, Cameron (Ciara) Fails and Blake (Kaylee) Fails; his sister, Brittney Howell (Riley); his nieces and nephews, Nana, Papa, Grandma Sonya, aunts and uncles, and many cousins and friends.
Billy's life serves as a profound reminder that our earthly journeys, no matter how long, are brief in the grand scheme of eternity. He taught us to refocus our time, energy, and talents on the people and things that matter most-not because they may one day be lost to us for a time, but because they are the very essence of joy in our journeys. Billy's legacy reminds us that love and happiness are infinite resources, magnified when shared with those around us.
We know that despite our grief we will find joy again, just as we know that we will explore mountain streams, and laugh with our Billy again. Until then we hope heaven's ponds are full of fish you don't have to throw back, and embrace from those we long to hold in addition to Billy again. Find fun in paradise our boy, we know you will. We love you forever.
Billy's funeral service will be held Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Minersville First Ward Church (130 West Main, Minersville, Utah). Viewings will be held Friday, January 31, 2025 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm and Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 9:00 - 10:30 am both at the Minersville Church. Interment will follow at the Minersville Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Online condolences may be shared and a live stream of the funeral service viewed at www.mortuary.org.